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Mara Allen Receives Lexus Gauntlet Scholarship

BERKELEY - Mara Allen, who helped the Cal women's crew capture the 2005 NCAA championship, has received the first Lexus Gauntlet scholarship for outstanding sportsmanship.

The award is presented in conjunction with the Lexus Gauntlet trophy, which went to Stanford this year in a head-to-head competition in 26 spots with the Golden Bears. The Cardinal edged Cal, 70-65, in the final standings.

A portion of the Lexus Gauntlet sponsorship is provided in recognition of good sportsmanship in competition between the schools. An annual scholarship recipient at both schools is determined and recognized at the end of each academic year when the Lexus Gauntlet trophy is presented.

Susan King Borchardt was named Stanford's first recipient. The graduating senior battled back from knee injuries to play guard for the Cardinal women's basketball team this past season.

Allen, a freshman from San Francisco (Lowell HS), made an immediate impact in her first season, helping the Bears repeat as Pac-10 champions before capturing the NCAA title.

The battle for the Lexus Gauntlet (which concluded May 15) saw Stanford and Cal compete against each other in 26 designated varsity sports. Points were awarded toward the Lexus Gauntlet trophy for every meeting between the Cardinal and Bears. A total of 135 points were up for grabs between each sport's season series and conference championships (for those teams that didn't meet head-to-head). The magic number to clinch the trophy outright was 70 points.

The two universities signed a three-year contract with Lexus, America's best-selling luxury automotive manufacturer. In return, Lexus of Northern California will receive prominent sponsorship recognition and promotional opportunities as the leading sponsor of both the Cal and Stanford athletic departments.